San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge, completed after more than four years of construction at a cost of $35 million, is a visitor attraction recognized around the world. The GGB opened to vehicular traffic on May 28, 1937 at twelve o'clock noon, ahead of schedule and under budget, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt pressed a telegraph key in the White House announcing the event.

San Francisco Cable Cars
Every visitor to San Francisco wants to ride the world famous Cable Cars. And they are an exciting trip... up and down some of the city's steepest hills at a steady 9.5 mph. Each car is operated by a conductor and brakeman. They work together on opposite ends of the car using bells to communicate with each other. When the world's first Cable Car traveled down Nob Hill in the summer of 1873, the invention was an immediate hit.

Fisherman's Wharf
San Francisco’s most popular destination. Known for its historic waterfront, delicious seafood, spectacular sights and unique shopping.

Pier 39
There is something for everyone at PIER 39. It's the combination of beautiful bay views, endless entertainment, delectable dining, exciting events, sensational shopping and splashy sea lions that make PIER 39 such a popular attraction.

Alcatraz
Alcatraz Island has served as a harbor fortification, military detention facility and maximum-security federal penitentiary. The West Coast’s first and oldest operating lighthouse is also located on Alcatraz.

Museum of Modern Art
One of the world's most innovative museums of modern and contemporary art.

San Francisco Zoo
The largest zoological park in Northern California and one of the Bay Area's most popular cultural and recreational attractions,  home to over 250 species of exotic and domestic mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.

Cable Car Museum
The Cable Car Museum provides historical perspective and insight into the daily operations of today's system.

Japantown
With the opening of the Japan Center in 1968, Japantown (Nihonmachi) came into its own as an ethnic showcase in the cosmopolitan tradition of San Francisco. Stretching for three square blocks-bounded by Post, Geary, Laguna, and Fillmore Streets- the complex houses, shops, restaurants, art galleries, movie theatres, Japanese baths, travel services, the deluxe Miyako Hotel, and much more.

California Missions

Much of California's history began with the Spanish Missions. The chain of 21 missions along California's El Camino Real ("The Royal Highway") represent the first arrival of non-Native Americans to California. Life for the California Native Americans was forever changed. In addition to Christianity, the missions brought many other things to California such as livestock, fruits, flowers, grains and industry. This was also the start of the civilization in which we live today. However, as a result of the arrival of the Spanish, many Native American lives were lost.

Every one of the California missions tell a story about the history of California. All have been, to some extent, restored and can be visited today.

  Here is a link to more information on the California Missions...

San Diego Area

San Diego Zoo
Home to more than 4,000 rare and endangered animals representing more than 800 species and subspecies, the San Diego Zoo is a world famous conservation organization where visitors view exotic animals in habitat environments. Guests may view rare giant pandas, cuddly looking koalas, reptiles of various shapes and sizes and many more interesting species.
Hours: Daily 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. with extended summer hours
Public information: (619) 231-1515, www.sandiegozoo.org

The USS Midway is now serving her final tour of duty in San Diego as an Aircraft Carrier Museum featuring the excitement of naval aviation and commemorating those who have sacrificed so much. This multi-dimensional, interactive, educational and entertainment complex is the only museum of its kind on the West Coast! The museum is a tribute to the U.S. Navy and a monument to the evolution of naval aviation.

Find out more about the many things to do in San Diego...

There is so much to do in California that it would be impossible to mention everything here, but this is just a sample. You can also visit the official website for the State of California for more information on what to do while visiting our beautiful state.